The Philippines celebrates a milestone in agricultural trade with the launch of its first commercial shipment of fresh Hass avocados to Japan on November 15, 2024. The event, held at the Pacific International Terminal Services Inc. (PACINTER), Panabo City, Davao del Norte signals a new chapter in the Philippines’ trade relationship with Japan. Gracing the send-off ceremony were DA Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr., Assistant Secretary Philip Young, and BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban, Agriculture Attaché in Japan Ms. Maria Alilia G. Maghirang, Senior Vice President of Dole Philippines Inc. Mr. Tetsuya Kitae along with representatives from the DA and BPI Regional Offices, and the Dole Stanfilco team—Mr. Roy L. Ortiz, Mr. Melvin B. Meana, and Mr. Rodel M. Narvaez.
This achievement was made possible through the collaboration between the Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) in Tokyo, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), and DOLE Philippines Inc. paving the way for Japanese consumers to finally taste the creamy and nutrient-rich Hass avocados from the Philippines.
The journey to this historic milestone began in August 2011 when the Philippines, through the Bureau of Plant Industry – National Plant Quarantine Services Division (BPI-NPQSD), formally expressed its intent to export fresh Hass avocados to Japan in response to a request from Dole Philippines Inc. Following years of technical discussions and extensive information exchanges, a significant breakthrough was achieved on November 8, 2024, when Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) and the DA-BPI officially lifted the ban on importing Hass avocados from the Philippines.
A key component of the preparation was the on-site verification conducted by a MAFF Inspector from November 11-14, 2024. This audit focused on Hass avocado production sites and packing house in South Cotabato to ensure compliance with the approved work plan.
The first shipment, consisting of 2,240 boxes with a net volume of 12,084 kgs valued at US$ 40,320, is expected to arrive at Tokyo Port on November 21, 2024. A second batch of the same volume is planned for shipment between November 18-24, 2024, further strengthening the growing trade relations between the two nations. (by: BPI-NPQSD)
This milestone reflects the country’s significant agricultural development, aligning with efforts to uplift the livelihoods of Filipino farmers while contributing to the country’s economic growth.
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